There is a great deal of information and MISinformation available out there regarding the threat, real or otherwise posed by this virus. The information on this page will attempt to provide introductory information, as well as links to other sites for further information.

This issue has, among other things, become fertile ground for political lobbying and it is important to note that not all available sources are unbiased. What this means is that you should check the sources carefully (as you should ALWAYS do with information). Is the information posted or sponsored by a large poultry producer? A commercial poultry concern? A politician from a region known for poultry production? An animal “rights” activist group? All of these groups have a vested interest in having people believe certain things, and MIGHT not be unbiased in their reporting. On the other hand, being a member of a special interest group does not, in and of itself imply that the information they are offering is biased. Check your sources.

I have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in these pages is true, and unbiased, and that the other sites linked from this page are the same. I can, however make no guarantees, and can not be held responsible for errors or omissions. If you have any information you would like to see added, or find anything that is in error, please let me know.

• There are many varieties and sub-types of avian influenza, and these viruses are common in wild birds throughout the world.
• The more virulent strains are known as type A influenza viruses, and there are 16 known HA subtypes and 9 known NA subtypes.
• These viruses are usually quite species specific (they do not spread from birds to mammals), but there are several varieties that have been known to spread to humans.
• “Human” influenza viruses are the ones that are commonly associated with our usual “flu season”, and new vaccines are developed each year. There are only three known A subtypes of influenza viruses (H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2) currently circulating among humans.
• The “Avian” influenza virus that has attracted so much attention recently is labelled H5N1. In all cases where infections in humans have been found, the people have been in direct contact with infected birds.
• Although other strains of Avian Influenza have been reported to have infected humans (including H9N2, H7N2, H7N3, H7N7), none of these have resulted in the deaths of those infected.
• There have been NO known instances of the H5N1 virus in North America (as of March 2006).
• Influenza virus is spread primarily in one of two ways:
  • Through direct contact with infected birds, or environments (surfaces and substances, including water) that have been contaminated by infected birds
  • Through an intermediary host - most commonly pigs (i.e. the bird flu spreads to the pig, and then from the pig to humans).

In order to address concerns over Avian Flu, Mink Hollow Farm has instituted a number of new policies.

Until further notice, Mink Hollow Farm will be maintaining “closed flocks”. This means that we will not introduce any new birds into our flock. This also means that we cannot accept ANY birds that did not come from here originally. It has happened in the past that teachers have acquired additional birds from somewhere else and have returned them to us along with the birds that came from here originally. Unfortunately, in order to maintain a segregated flock, any birds not from here that are “returned” to us will be humanely destroyed immediately, along with any other birds they have been in contact with.

Please note that because of the possible link between waterfowl and pigs in the spread of avian flus, Mink Hollow Farm has never kept pigs on our property, nor will we.

A few simple precautions will help us to keep our birds safe and allow us to continue to provide this valuable service to local schools.

1. ALWAYS wash your hands with soap before AND after handling the ducklings, or their cages, bedding, dishes, etc. Washing before helps keep the ducklings safe, and washing after helps keep you safe.
2. DO NOT take ducklings outside to parks or other open areas where wild birds (especially waterfowl) have been.
3. DO NOT feed any leftovers that contain poultry products such as chicken, or even broth to the ducklings.
4. DO NOT allow your ducklings to “meet” other birds of any sort. This includes the pet parakeet, budgie, or finch.
5. DO NOT allow your ducklings to access any open bodies of water (including spring and river-fed ponds, streams, etc.).
6. DO NOT allow your ducklings to have contact with households pets or other animals, including the places where these pets often sleep or stay. (This includes cats, dogs, pigs, and horses)
7. Wash all equipment, containers, surfaces and cages used for your ducklings with a mild bleach solution (5%, or 1 part bleach to 19 parts water). Do this both BEFORE and AFTER you use it for your birds. Make sure that surfaces are well rinsed, and preferably left to air for a day before use.

1. ALWAYS wash your hands with soap before AND after handling the ducklings, or their cages, bedding, dishes, etc. Washing before helps keep the ducklings safe, and washing after helps keep you safe.
2. DO NOT enter the duck pastures. When you come to pick up your eggs, you may look at the birds from the fence.
3. When returning ducklings, make SURE that you return them to a person here at the farm. Ducklings left here while we are away will be humanely destroyed immediately.

U.S. Center For Disease Control [CDC]: Key Facts: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm
Barry Koffler's feathersite.com: A notice from the Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities: http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/SPPA/BirdFlu.html